Glossary

Famine: a serious shortage of food which may result in extreme hunger, starvation and death

Food miles: the distance any particular food travels from where it is grown to where it is eaten.

Fossil fuels: Carbon-based sources of energy formed in the ground millions of years from the remains of dead plants and animals. Oil, natural gas, and coal are fossil fuels.

Interdependence: the way in which people, regions and countries are linked and the way in which each is affected by another’s decisions and actions. 

Malnutrition: Not having enough nourishing food with the adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, calories, etc. to support growth and development.

Obesity: a condition where people are more than 20 percent above what is considered to be a healthy weight for their age, height and bone structure. Obesity increases the risk of many health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Pesticides: Chemicals used to kill insects. They can be dangerous to humans when they breathe or touch the chemicals.